"Let me be sworn also, and I can explain much of what the marquis has told to you.

I never wished to marry him or any man, save this one," and she touched Peter on the arm, "and anything that he or I may have done, we did to escape the evil net in which we were snared." "We believe it," answered the queen with a smile, then fell to consulting with the king and the alcaldes.
For a long time they debated in voices so low that none could hear what they said, looking now at one and now at another of the parties to this strange suit.

Also, some priest was called into their council, which Margaret thought a bad omen.

At length they made up their minds, and in a low, quiet voice and measured words her Majesty, as Queen of Castile, gave the judgment of them all.

Addressing herself first to Morella, she said: "My lord Marquis, you have brought very grave charges against the lady who claims to be your wife, and the Englishman whose affianced bride you admit you snatched away by fraud and force.